Why Not?
June 2013
June is commencement time. Commencement of the summer and (possible) vacation time and commencement of new beginnings for many graduates. Whether it is a graduation from college or graduate school, this is an exciting and scary time. Many find themselves about to start a new job or to launch into the next stage of their career. The transition may not be as easy for some of us, however. If you're a recent college graduate entering your "first" job, how do you make the transition from student to full-time employee? If you are a recent graduate student stepping into a new role with a fancy title, how do you put that new degree to good use? The new responsibilities may seem scary and overwhelming at times (why did they hire me?), but you were hired for good reasons. It does no one good, especially yourself, by short-changing and questioning whether or not you belong there. You've worked hard, gained skills, and demonstrated potential. Now is the time to let that shiny degree shine! And if not, keep asking yourself "why not?"
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Sincerely,
Belinda Chiu, Ed.D.
Perceived Failure
One of my all-time favorite commencement speeches is Conan O'Brien's 2011 at Dartmouth College. He's hilarious and poignant. If you want a great laugh, watch the whole thing. If you're rushing and want to get to his core message, skip to ~15 minutes. O'Brien's own public "failure" led him to some key insights, ones that new graduates and old graduate should never forget. As he says, "perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound transformation." In today's working world where jobs and careers constantly shift, we will not always get what we want and that sometimes, we will be told 'no' or told we messed up. But many of the newer generations have grown up in a time where the word "failure" was taboo. O'Brien reminds us the key is to "have conviction in what you do" for "there are few things more liberating in this life than having your worst fear realized." Have conviction.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.
~Dr. Seuss
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5 Habits of Successful Newbies
Starting your first job or a new career? Get a jumpstart.
Own it: stop selling yourself short. Newbies sometimes introduce themselves by saying, "I am very new so I don't know...I don't have a lot of...." Consider how such an introduction is received. It conveys a sense that you have no idea what you're doing or frankly, are not qualified to be there. While it may seem at times you do not know what you are doing, remember that this is a new job, so of course, you won't know everything (if you do, it's not much of a new job or challenge, is it?). Keep in mind that everyone started where you are at some point, so you are not the only one. It is normal to feel overwhelmed at times, but remember that you were hired for several reasons and that you belong there. Avoid giving others the impression that you are so overwhelmed that you might not be ready for the job. While you should not pretend to know things when you do not, own your new role. Get comfortable in it. Feel it. Instead of "I am new...I don't know," try "I am new...I offer a new perspective...."
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Question and learn: learning doesn't stop once you get that degree. There will be many things you do not know. So ask. Do not use the excuse "I am new here" not to challenge. It is the newbie that often offers fresh insight much needed in established processes. While newbies feel like they can't offer an opinion for fear of being judged by those with more seniority, remember that you were hired for your mind. Continue to seek out opportunities to learn at and outside of the job. Ask for the professional development opportunities. Join professional associations.
Go above and beyond: don't simply accept your given responsibilities and call it a day. Step up. Go beyond what is expected. As long as you do not have to sacrifice quality to complete your responsibilities, seek out opportunities to participate in other projects. Join working teams outside of your immediate scope. It is not only a great way to demonstrate your other talents, but it also helps you to build a cross-functional network and create a record of enthusiasm, teamwork, and achievement.
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Own mistakes: yes, you will make mistakes. And it's OK. It doesn't mean that you will get fired. But you have to own up to them. Acknowledge, apologize, and address. Newbies sometimes make the mistake after a mistake by being overly defensive in hopes not to get blamed. If you were the one who was responsible, take that responsibility and demonstrate that you have the maturity and ability to move on and learn from it. Taking responsibility demonstrates to others that you are unafraid to take risks, have integrity, and are willing to learn. In other words, someone who is a key team player.
Create a Board of Directors: successful newbies not only find one mentor, they find multiple mentors. These mentors are within and outside of the organization, and are from different sectors, expertise, experiences, and backgrounds. Just as you are multi-dimensional, these individuals will be able to help you address particular concerns as they arise and to become a more complete professional. And as we consult our individual Board of Directors, it is important, even as a newbie, to pay it forward and serve on someone else's.
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